Bowe Bergdahl, the only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan, has been freed and is in US custody.
US officials said Bergdahl's release was part of a negotiation that included the release of five Afghan detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
The negotiation between the US and the Taliban was mediated by the government of Qatar, to which country the Guantánamo detainees will be transferred.
In a statement issued by the White House, President Barack Obama said: “Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honoured to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal.”
Bergdahl, 28, had been held by the Taliban since 31 June 2009. The officials said he was in good condition and able to walk.
Chuck Hagel, the defence secretary who is currently attending a security conference in Singapore, said: “Sergeant Bergdahl is now under the care of the US military after being handed over by his captors in Afghanistan. We will give him all the support he needs to help him recover from this ordeal, and we are grateful that he will soon be reunited with his family.
“Also today, I informed Congress of the decision to transfer five detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Qatar. The United States has coordinated closely with Qatar to ensure that security measures are in place and the national security of the United States will not be compromised.”
General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, used Twitter to say: “It is our ethos that we never leave a fallen comrade. Welcome home SGT Bowe Bergdahl.”
Hagel echoed his words, saying: “Sergeant Bergdahl's return is a powerful reminder of the enduring, sacred commitment our nation makes to all those who serve in uniform. The United States government never forgot Sergeant Bergdahl, nor did we stop working to bring him back.”
Obama's statement continued: “For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier's return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the amir of Qatar. The amir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries. The United States is also grateful for the support of the government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s release.”
Obama this week detailed plans to keep a residual US force in Afghanistan until 2016.
His statement said: “This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as they chart their own future.
“While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.
US officials said Bergdahl's release was part of a negotiation that included the release of five Afghan detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
The negotiation between the US and the Taliban was mediated by the government of Qatar, to which country the Guantánamo detainees will be transferred.
In a statement issued by the White House, President Barack Obama said: “Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honoured to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal.”
Bergdahl, 28, had been held by the Taliban since 31 June 2009. The officials said he was in good condition and able to walk.
Chuck Hagel, the defence secretary who is currently attending a security conference in Singapore, said: “Sergeant Bergdahl is now under the care of the US military after being handed over by his captors in Afghanistan. We will give him all the support he needs to help him recover from this ordeal, and we are grateful that he will soon be reunited with his family.
“Also today, I informed Congress of the decision to transfer five detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Qatar. The United States has coordinated closely with Qatar to ensure that security measures are in place and the national security of the United States will not be compromised.”
General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, used Twitter to say: “It is our ethos that we never leave a fallen comrade. Welcome home SGT Bowe Bergdahl.”
Hagel echoed his words, saying: “Sergeant Bergdahl's return is a powerful reminder of the enduring, sacred commitment our nation makes to all those who serve in uniform. The United States government never forgot Sergeant Bergdahl, nor did we stop working to bring him back.”
Obama's statement continued: “For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier's return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the amir of Qatar. The amir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries. The United States is also grateful for the support of the government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s release.”
Obama this week detailed plans to keep a residual US force in Afghanistan until 2016.
His statement said: “This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as they chart their own future.
“While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.
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